By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
December 14, 2022
Lacking a resume win to start the year, No. 16 UCLA heads across the country to take on No. 20 Maryland.
The true road game presents an opportunity for the Bruins to hang their hat on come Selection Sunday while doubling as a foreshadowing of future matchups once they join the Big Ten.
I preview the game here and my pick appears at the bottom.
No. 16 UCLA at No. 20 Maryland
Wednesday, December 14
6:00 pm PT, FS1
The Terrapins have four starters averaging in double-digits and get respectable contributions from their bench.
Starters Donta Scott and Julian Reese are the powers in the paint, combining to average 26.0 points per game and 14.2 rebounds per night.
Slowing down the Maryland bigs could be an essential part of Mick Cronin’s game plan, along with being active on the glass. UCLA doesn’t rebound very well, but the Terps are 83rd in the nation in rebounds per game.
Conceding second-chance opportunities could tip the scales in Maryland’s favor, yet the Terps are only 92nd in the country in offensive rebounds per night. Just average at securing offensive boards, Cronin’s emphasis will likely be on ensuring Maryland doesn’t get extra possessions.
On the other end of the court, outside shooting could be the deciding factor. The Bruins are a strong three-point shooting team while Maryland is near the bottom of Division I basketball. If Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Jaylen Clark are on point from deep, UCLA should be hard to beat.
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